Industry Organization to Promote Stereoscopic 3D Content through Education, Awareness-Raising, and Recognition

LOS ANGELES — (BUSINESS WIRE) — July 15, 2011 — The Japan Committee of the International 3D Society (I3DS Japan Committee, Chair: Professor Takashi Kawai at Waseda University) held its inaugural meeting and formally began its activities in Japan, July 14, 2011. The I3DS Japan Committee is an industry organization established for the purpose of contributing to the steady growth of stereoscopic 3D technologies and content creation through education, awareness-raising, and recognition activities. While working with I3DS committees in the US, Asia, and Europe, the I3DS Japan Committee aims to improve the art and technology of 3D content and to support the development of 3D industry specialists through cooperation with related companies and organizations in Japan.

Jim Chabin, President & CEO of I3DS, said, "We are very happy to see the founding of the I3DS Japan Committee. We look forward to the realization of a 3D education curriculum and an awards program for Japan that have been localized based on the experience of the 3D University in the US, and at the same time, we expect to see collaboration between 3D University activities around the world.”

Asia Committee Chair Masayuki Kozuka, from Panasonic Corporation, added, "There has been a rapid increase in interest in 3D productions in Asia as well, and it is very significant that these kinds of activities have begun in Japan. I3DS will contribute toward the expansion and popularization of appealing 3D content through these activities."

I3DS Japan Chair Takashi Kawai commented, "In recent years, there has also been a rapidly growing need for good quality 3D production in various areas, such as in movies, TV broadcasts, and communications. We would like to engage in new efforts toward safe and appealing 3D content creation from the perspective of both users and creators.”

Background to the Founding of the I3DS Japan Committee

In recent years, environments where 3D content can be enjoyed have continued to expand around the world, as in movies, TV programs, photos, and games. Given these circumstances, the expansion of good 3D content and its improvement in quality are important issues for the further popularization of 3D.

To solve these issues in Japan, the I3DS Japan Committee will promote activities such as developing specialists in 3D content production, distributing information on proper 3D viewing, and presenting awards for outstanding 3D productions. The committee plans on gathering members from industry and educational organizations involved in 3D content, content production studios, broadcasters, and manufacturers of content production devices in Japan. It also intends to promote these activities in cooperation with the US-based I3DS organization and other regional I3DS committees that are launching activities in Asia and Europe.

Future Activities for the I3DS Japan Committee

At International 3D Fair 2011 in Tokyo, which will take place at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation and the Tokyo International Exchange Center from Thursday, October 20, to Saturday, October 22, 2011, seminars and workshops will be given by US I3DS executives and notable Hollywood stereographers. Awards for outstanding 3D content will be also given at the event. The Japan Committee will carry out Japan’s own activities from the global perspective.

About the International 3D Society (I3DS)

I3DS was established in the US in 2009. It now has a membership of over 400 companies and organizations involved in the art and technology of producing 3D content. The society is actively engaged in various activities including education through the 3D University and the operation of the Lumiere Award program for 3D content and technology. The Japan, Korea, and China Committees of I3DS belong to the society's Asia Committee. I3DS is expected to contribute to the steady development of 3D content markets worldwide.

[The I3DS Japan Committee]

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Board of directors

Chair

Takashi Kawai (Professor, Waseda University)

Director-General

Soichiro Mima (Panasonic Corporation)

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Core members

(5 companies/organizations as of July 14, in Japanese alphabetical order)

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NHK Media Technology, Inc.

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Professor Takashi Kawai, Waseda University

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Sony Corporation

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Digital Content Association of Japan

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Panasonic Corporation

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General members

(9 companies as of July 14, in Japanese alphabetical order)

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IMAGICA Corp.

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A-1 Pictures Inc.

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OMNIBUS JAPAN INC.

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Q-TEC, INC.

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NIPPON TELEVISION NETWORK CORPORATION

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BANDAI VISUAL CO., LTD.

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BS-TBS, INC.

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Fuji Television Network, Inc.

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Production I.G., Inc.

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Official website < http://www.i3ds.jp>

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6794593&lang=en

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Contact:

For press inquiries:
I3DS Japan Committee Secretary Office
Soichiro Mima, Media & Content Alliance Office, Corporate R&D Division,
Panasonic Corporation
Tel: +81-6-6900-9622
or
International 3D Society, World Headquarters
Nick Urbom
Tel: 310-203-9733